Liverpool FC Forum

[Mark 23]

I can't see Zenden playing Garcia's role, and to be fair I think Gonzalez will take Kewell's place in the team, as good as Harry has been he is pretty slow and as for whipping the ball in, his crosses aren't that good for a winger.

Riise is meant to have a bit of a problem with Rafa and vice versa, so I think he will go and so will Kewell, his wages are astronomical and he is only just showing form now.  If Gonzalez is as good as people says, then Kewell is a bit expensive to have sitting on the bench.

I think Zenden will be more happy to be a squad player

[Bad Bob]

Riise is meant to have a bit of a problem with Rafa and vice versa...

Really?  Hadn't heard that, mate.  Quite the opposite, in fact (in recent interviews Riise has stated that he's very happy and that Rafa's an amazing manager who's gotten the best out of him).  Any sources suggesting Riise's unhappy?

To the question at hand...

Zenden is not likely to feature on the left next season even if he stays with the team.  There have to be significant questions about his pace after a knee injury and given that he's getting on a bit.  As such, I don't see him fulfilling the role Rafa requires from his wide men (pacey, creative, good crosser) in the system he's building.

Trouble is, the middle is already full and I don't see Zenden offering anything that the others don't.  He's basically another Smicer who will have real trouble getting a game for us.  Nor can I see Rafa selling Luis in order to give a free role to Zenden--he doesn't offer the same flair and thus can't change a game like Garcia (FWIW, I seriously doubt that Rafa has given up on Luis just yet...he still offers something important to the team, as we all hope to see on Saturday!)

Basically, looking back to last summer, I think Zenden was bought as cover for Riise at LM in the event that Kewell would never get himself sorted.  At the time, it was a good bit of business.  Now that Kewell has forced his way back into the side, however, and with Gonzo on the way (let's hope in the summer rather than December...cheers for the update Sabre  ) Zenden seems surplus to requirements.  I suspect he'll be sold this summer to help finance one of our targeted transfers.

[ICE-MAN]

BABU: Ok this is a topic, but what would you like to discuss?

I mean seriously, put some thought into your first post. structure it so that is will encourage debate or invite peoples input. Your first post just leaves me in despair.

Assuming you are asking who i'd prefer, then its Kewell.


Babu, stop being such a moany cnut, it was obvious what the topic was, which do u prefer, do u have a set of guidelines that people need to read before posting a new topic, get a grip ye clown he's a newbie!

[RichardLFC1]

Kewell. He has been immense this campaign and hopefully he carries it on next year

[pur3 rav3r]

i can only say kewell because i haven't really seen alot of zenden

[Garymac]

Id have Kewell over him but to describe him as immense this season is over the top to say the least, hes improved a lot but hes nowhere near the player he was, hes got his confidence back and is playing well again but i think Kewell will even admit hes got a lot more to offer.

AQs for Zenden, he will be off in the summer, the left hand side looks pretty class for next season even without him and even in a central position i cant see him getting a go.

I also think we may see Garcia leave in the summer, his role in the squad is getting less and less important the more we improve.

[The Ace1983]

Kewell has made such an improvement, i'd take him over Zenden anyday and with Gonzales heading over for next season (hopefully), I can't really see the dutchman getting a look in.

[madred]

If Zenden gets back to full fitness during the summer i can see both players being involved in rotation. I was disapointed when Zenden got injured because he was starting to show some good displays and getting a few goals.

[48-1119859832]

If you want a player that can put beautiful crosses into the box, then Zenden's your man.  But if you want a player that can score goals, play in other positions and do more things other than just crossing the ball, then Kewell's your man.  So guys, what do you prefer, Kewell or Zenden.

Zenden's crosses are poor. From what I witnessed at the start of the season wasn't pleasing, his crosses where far too low and didn't reach the likes of Crouch or Morientes. Kewell's crossing ability is good and he has a good eye for goal as well, when he finds himself space.

Zenden's best position is centeral midfield but on the left side, that's where he played for Boro and that's where he seemed most effective but with Kewell back and Gonzalez on his way sooner, or later and the fact Gerrard, Alonso, Hamann and Sissoko occupy the centre mid slots leaves Zenden without much hope of getting regular first team football.

[The Specialist]

BABU: Ok this is a topic, but what would you like to discuss?

I mean seriously, put some thought into your first post. structure it so that is will encourage debate or invite peoples input. Your first post just leaves me in despair.

Assuming you are asking who i'd prefer, then its Kewell.


Babu, stop being such a moany cnut, it was obvious what the topic was, which do u prefer, do u have a set of guidelines that people need to read before posting a new topic, get a grip ye clown he's a newbie!

From what I've noticed, there's too much of this going around. People complaing about others topics, etc. Now we have bit.ches like Babu having a go at people and talking down, because it's in trend. A simple question was clearly posed..


I prefer Kewell. With that said, I completely disagree with the poster about who says Kewell's crossing ability is good (meaning above average) and questioned Zenden's. I don't remember much about Zenden since he hasn't played in forever due to injury, but one thing I do remember is watching the pre-season clips on .tv and him putting in some great crosses that stood out. My memory is hazey otherwise, but that was certainly never something I picked up when watching him. One thing that stands out about Kewell is often when he's putting in a cross from the side of goal, is that they often end up out of play. As far as goals also, I think Zenden has three or so. Kewell's goals being much more spectacular of course, though. In any case, Zenden isn't a winger..

[PCG77]

its a non-issue! Kewell any day of the week. Harry is slowing getting back to his best. In his prime at Leeds he was one of the best players in the UK when running at defenders. He has had 2 injury riddled years and has now finally put that behind him, both physically and mentally.

Harry at his peak is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. I am the first to admit he is not in that bracket at present. However, Zenden at his peak is not even in the top bracket at Liverpool.

[stmichael]

hardly worth the debate considering zenden's best position is central midfield.

[PCG77]

I would also prefer to see a young winger like Hamill or Anderson playing off the bench. Depending on Zenden's wage I would hang on to him as purely backup but even then with new players joining the club in the summer. I don't know if there will be any room for him.